Adventure Activities to do in Nepal: Unveiling the Thrill of the Himalayas
1 Aug 2023
Explore the best adventure activities in Nepal, from trekking to paragliding and mountain climbing. Unveil the thrill of Nepal's Himalayan wonders.
Nepal is known to the world as the land of the lofty and snow-capped Himalayan peaks. But head south into the sub-tropical lowlands and you will find a totally different, but equally fascinating eco-system. The most exciting wildlife safari is in the Chitwan jungle. Lush sal forest, undulating grasslands, meandering rivers, a green tapestry.
This reserve, once a private hunting ground for the Nepalese royal family, is now a world famous success story in conservation. Today it is home to some of the world’s interesting endangered creatures. To the traveler looking for the adventure of a lifetime or the outdoor lover, discovering this lush wilderness is an experience that you will never forget. If you are a nature photographer,
This is the definitive guide to discovering the magic of the region, creating the perfect itinerary and making the most of your time in the wilderness.
Established in 1973, it is Nepal’s first national park. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984 due to its abundance of biodiversity. It covers an area of 952 square kilometers and is a sanctuary for the endangered animals of the Nepal plains.
But the park has many other claims to fame, beyond the vast herds of Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros for which it is most famous. The Royal Bengal Tiger is found mainly in Nepal, and offers a rare opportunity to see these elusive predators in their natural habitat. The park is home to tigers, rhino, leopards, sloth bears, wild elephants, striped hyenas and over 500 species of birds. Wild life. Wild life. Every visit is a journey.
Preparing for your journey
Good planning is the key to the best experiences in the wild country. When to go, how to get around, and all that.
Chitwan National Park: When to visit
Your choice of destination can make all the difference to your wildlife viewing potential. The best time to visit Chitwan National Park is during the dry season between October and early March. The weather is good, sunny days and temperature between 20 °C and 25 °C (68 °F-77 °F).
Wildlife is particularly good from late January to March. Park officials have cut down the elephant grass, which grows as tall as 20 feet. The short grass makes such a difference to visibility across the plains and it is so much easier to spot rhinos and tigers and other animals gathering around water points.”
From Kathmandu to Sauraha
This is Sauraha, the tourism hub and gateway to the park. The trip begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Sauraha. Basically, you have three options: 1.
By Air The fastest and the most convenient way is to take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Bharatpur Airport which takes 20 minutes. Bharatpur 45 min drive to Sauraha scenic by tour bus. This is a very popular and inexpensive option. Tourist buses leave Kathmandu early in the morning, on the winding Prithvi Highway. Good drive 5-7 hours depending on traffic but views of river valleys and terraced hillsides is great.
Behind the Wheel Or hire a private taxi or jeep and do it at your own pace. It is 5 hour drive and you can stop on roadside cafes or scenic view points along Trishuli river.
Accommodation Where to stay for the real deal
Where you stay can make a huge difference to your trip. Accommodation in Sauraha and its buffer zones covers all tastes, from budget backpacker hostels to plush resorts.
If you want a mixture of comfort and natural immersion then it is highly recommended to book a popular property such as Hotel Jungle Villa Chitwan. The lodge is located on the banks of river Rapti and has a clear view of the national park. Again experience the luxury retreat at the premium Jungle Villa Resort Chitwan Nepal and watch the elephants and the rhinos come down to the river to drink from the comfort of your own balcony. Chitwan National Park Jungle Villa Lodge If you like the intimacy of a boutique setting, Jungle Villa Lodge Chitwan is sure to offer you personal service, expert local guides and fantastic local cuisine.
For those flying in and wanting to escape the crowds in the main tourist areas, there are a few luxury eco-resorts close to Bharatpur that are dedicated to sustainable tourism, organic farm-to-table dining and exclusive safari packages.
Best Safari Ever Chitwan Nepal Jungle Safari is the jewel of your travel. The wilderness is viewed in many different ways, and each gives us a different perspective of the ecosystem.
SELECT YOUR SAFARI STYLE
Chitwan jungle safari can be enjoyed in two ways either in open air vehicle or on foot. The classic is bigger and you will see more deep forest dwellers. But one thing is for sure, a jungle safari in Chitwan offers you adrenaline moments and photographic opportunities like no other.
Cost / Duration of Jeep Safari
The jeep safari is the most popular way of exploring the deeper core areas of the park. If you are planning for your trip then knowing about the cost of a jeep safari and the time it takes can be good.
Half Day Safari Average 4 hours $35 – $50 USD per person, depending on lodge and number of people A good introduction to the buffer zones around the park.
All Day Safari For the diehard wildlife buff, a full day safari (sunrise to sunset, approx 10-12 hours) is the way to go, and will cost you $150-$200 USD for a private Jeep rental. This way you can go much deeper into the park, to places like the Kasara region, and greatly improve your chances of seeing a lot of tiger.
Your Guide To Jungle Walk Safety Tips
A walking safari is a really adventurous, heart-pounding, up-close encounter with the wilderness. If you are on a guided walk in the jungle and in a jungle environment that may include apex predators, here are some safety tips:
Follow your guides to the letter. You will be accompanied by two experienced nature guides with only a bamboo stick to carry. Animal behavior is your best defense.
Opt for neutral colors Vanish from view Avoid bright reds, yellows or whites. No Hiss. Sound travels fast and wild life will be frightened away by human voices.
If you see a rhino, your guide might tell you to climb a tree or hide behind a big log. If you see a bear, they want you to make noise and group up. Go when I say go.
Chitwan in Nepal offers an amazing jungle safari experience with wonderful wildlife. Tips for getting the most out of seeing the park's most famous residents
Identification One-Horned Rhino
The single horned greater rhino is the flagship species of the park. Here are some tips to improve your chances of seeing a one horned rhino:
Rhinos take mud baths to keep cool and protect their skin from bugs. Beware of mud baths Look in the swamps, the oxbows.
Rhinos are generally most active in the cooler hours of early morning and late afternoon. Go early or go late.
Rhinos communicate with each other through communal dung heaps or middens. Stay up to date on the new shit If you see fresh piles, there’s a rhino in the vicinity.
Bird Watching Checklist Chitwan, Terai Region is a paradise for bird watchers. Before you go, please write a bird list for the Terai and admire the lovely feathered inhabitants. Take in the view with:
The Great Hornbill. Huge.
The Bengal Florican is a bird with beautiful plumage.
Colourful Kingfishers The Lesser Adjutant Stork The Pied and the Stork-billed Kingfisher etc.
Handbook on Slender-billed Vulture Critically Endangered at an elephant breeding centre
Near Sauraha, there is a breeding and care centre for Asian elephants. The detailed guide to the elephant breeding center says, “Go early morning or late afternoon. Time to feed or for the elephants to come back from grazing in the park. You will see what the center does to grow the population of captive elephants safely and you will see the playful elephant calves playing with their mothers.## Water Activities & Preservation Activities
The forests are important to the ecosystem just like the rivers that flow through and around the park. And there are opportunities for discovery and learning, as well.
Evening Canoe Ride on Rapti River
Kayaking down the Rapti River at sunset is one of the most exhilarating and peaceful things you can do in the park. You drift quietly down the river in an old, hand carved wooden canoe. Hop on this relaxing cruise to see the beautiful view of the sunset sparkling on the water painting the sky in orange and purple. Mugger crocodiles and water birds bask along the banks of the river, so keep your hands inside the boat.
Kasara – Gharial crocodile conservation project
And just outside the park headquarters is a big conservation effort. Gharial Crocodile Conservation Proj. Kasara Gharial Critically Endangered : The Gharial is a long-nosed fish-eating crocodile. The centre collects wild eggs, hatches them safely and raises the young until they are big enough to survive in the rivers. A visit here really makes you appreciate the delicate balance of the river eco-system and the commitment it takes to bring a species back from the edge of extinction.
Outside: local culture & wildlife
But wonders of the region are not limited to plants and animals. The Tharu people have lived in the Terai for centuries. They were living in the wilds.
Sauraha Tharu Cultural Village. This tour will take you through traditional villages of beautiful mud and wattle houses. Their history, their strange farming practices, their traditional skills. Usually the evening is concluded with a cultural show of the famous Tharu Stick Dance. The dance is energetic and rhythmic and was used to frighten wild animals away from crops .
How to have a successful trip.
Good preparation is the secret to a comfortable, trouble-free trip into the wild.
Jungle Safari Essentials How you pack can make or break a great trip. Here’s a checklist of some of the essentials to pack for your jungle safari:
Clothing: Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics in neutral colors (khaki, olive green, brown) Get up early morning, in warm fleece or light jacket as it will be cold.
Footwear Good sturdy walking shoes or hiking shoes are necessary for walking safaris.
Sunscreen (SPF 50+) Sunglass (polarized) Brimmed hat
Bug Repellent – a good quality DEET based bug repellent to keep away mosquitoes and leeches (especially if you are visiting just after monsoon)
Equipment: Binoculars (good quality), camera with telephoto lens (minimum 300mm) for taking photos of wildlife from a distance.
Safari in Bardia National Park Safari in Chitwan National Park
Many travelers visit Nepal and compare Chitwan vs Bardia National Park Safari. Both are great experiences but for different type of travelers.
Chitwan is easily reachable, has good tourist infrastructure and guaranteed Rhinos.
